Danielle and Sheva:
Co-Chairs welcome new Vice-Principal, Christine Chin. Ms. Chin introduces herself to council and parents as a veteran French YRDSB educator for 18 years.
Danielle: Approval of minutes by Danielle, Sheva and Tammy
Acknowledgements:
Mr. Appelberg appreciates all the execs and behind the scenes council for all their hard work, especially with the Valentine's Day Breakfast, Naomi for working on Ventura Fest, Teacher Reps: Mme. Lofsky and Mme. Tadrisi and our student reps.
School Council Student Reps Neha and Janelle:
- Mental Health / Cultural Evening has a tentative date for Thursday, May 15th. We need all hands on deck for this event.
- Should we combine the talent show with cultural night? Potentially set up stands in the library to express their cultures, talk about traditions, bring in objects that show who you are.
- Express culture in the talent show (Music / Dance), Cultures Night is a chance to learn.
- Students discuss risk of damaged items brought in and list of allergens in good.
- Link it to daytime / nighttime performance.
- Celebrate our identities and showcase who we are at VPPS in any capacity (a booth or performance).
- Parent volunteers are welcome once the event is solidified.
- Sheva opposed having Cultures Night and the talent show together.
- Planning Committee: Thursday, March 19th, 2025 at 1 p.m. in-person or hybrid.
Ventura Fest: Naomi
- Will present a planning committee date after March Break
- Already booked: BBQ, DJ, photo booth
- Ventura is turning 20 / 25 years old (as a French school) therefore we would like to make it a grande celebration.
- Asking for $4000 from parent council to cover games such as basketball shoot out, tennis, kick the ball and activate games.
- Request for alumni to visit.
- More food trucks, such as fries or beaver tails
- Should we charge families a small amount for each child?
- Approval for budget: Sheva and Jana
Grad Committee: Jana
- Successful fundraising: Candy-grams, chocolates and Funscript
- Hoodies have been purchased.
- Silent auction during Paul Davis with so many amazing prizes.
- Received a Wal-Mart grant for $1000
- Upcoming fundraisers: Krispy Kreme in May and Hair Elastics.
- Grad is taking place at: Paradise Banquet Hall (DJ is booked).
Speakers List: Sheva
- We received great feedback on the speakers to far.
- Brainable in April
- Sarah Westbrook: May 7th
School Council Forum: Teacher Representatives Mme. Lofsky and Mme. Tadrisi
- Thank you for the Valentine's Breakfast
- Student and staff were engaged with D.O. Gibson
- Intermediate dance was fun.
- Heart to Heart Week and sock fundraiser were a success.
- Shout out to Mme. Lofsky as last week VPPS participated in and hosted Robotics.
- Ventura is busy with sports, arts, dance and much more.
- Overall, students feel seen.
Tarmac and Pathways Update: Mr. Appelberg
Good news, VPPS worked with Plant Services at the Board and the City will do their portion of the pathway winter clean up. The school will do its part as well. We have an agreement. It may not be perfect after the snowfall but it will be done.
Fundraising Plan
- We have a healthy bank account, therefore, we would like to consider allocations for next year.
- The Ventura Vision will be placed and we will allocate some funds for this.
- Identity affirming resources needed in the school (French books).
Budget: Mr. Appelberg
We spent $10,000 on the computers and are waiting for their arrival.
Extra Extra!
- Geetha is wondering if Parent Council can meet for often next year.
- Sheva mentioned that parents would like to have a variety of dates for Council meetings so that they can attend.
- Make field trips for equitable amongst divisions.
- Trip for Grade 8 students is Museum of Illusions which ties into the Art Curriculum.
- Grad Trip is to Blue Mountain.
Next Council Meeting:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.
Attendance List:
- Tammy Gilary
- Victoria Mecihayev
- Dawn Chan
- Sharone Starkman
- Sherri Kogan
- Sheva Oielgisser
- Jana Dworetsky
- Zarina Ismail
- Yogeeta Sood
- Anjali Singh
- Jamami Sivarajah
- Danielle Plax
- Naomi Fogel
- Geetha Sanmugaligham